Toronto Public Health confirms case of Hepatitis A at local restaurant

Toronto Public Health has confirmed a case of hepatitis A at O’Grady’s on Church street, and are advising anyone who’s consumed food or beverages there between June 7 and 23 that they might have been exposed.

According to Toronto Public Health, an employee at the restaurant, located at 518 Church, has a confirmed case of hepatitis A and while the risk is low, individuals who consumed food or beverages from this restaurant during those dates should watch for signs and symptoms, and consider contacting their health care provider as they may be eligible for vaccination.

Toronto Public Health will be holding free hepatitis A vaccine clinics for anyone who consumed food or beverages at this restaurant during this time period. The hepatitis A vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure.

Clinic dates and times:
• Friday, June 30 from 1 to 7 pm at East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
• Saturday, July 1 from 10 am to 2 pm at Metro Hall, 55 John St., rooms 308 and 309

Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause a liver infection, states Toronto Public Heath. Symptoms can last a few days to several months, but most people who are infected recover completely. Symptoms can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected. It is also possible to be infected and not have any symptoms.

For symptomatic individuals, the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dark urine, stomach pains, and yelling of the skin.

This virus is transmitted from person-to-person by the fecal-oral route. It is found in the stool of a person infected with the virus. It is not spread by coughing or sneezing, instead, a common route of exposure is food contaminated by infected food handlers.

Hepatitis A can be avoided by:
• Getting the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Not handling or preparing food for anyone if you are ill.
• Washing your hands often and thoroughly using soap and warm water. This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing a diaper and before preparing or eating food.